a diagnosis that includes we are here and Ashton’s This legislation is part of his Microcephaly, Hypotonic after we die.” legacy. Dystonia, Cerebral Palsy and Both Tim and Angela The Bill will establish the Janelle’s Page Developmental delay. asked me to do two things- NDIS Launch Transition As Angela said, “The to tell their stories and to Agency to work with people Janelle Saffin MP fairness in our society. NDIS means that no longer call on the Government with disability to develop a I feel pleased and proud will it matter if and what to commit to the full roll personal plan that identifies n the final day for to be part of a political labels Ashton has, just that out of the NDIS, and the their goals and aspirations, Parliament for 2012, party that embraces such he has significant physical $5 billion to fund it, and I recognises the support Othe Prime Minister policies and such change that and intellectual disability have taken their message to they receive from family introduced the National will afford people dignity, and requires support. Canberra and I will keep and friends, and provides Disability Insurance Scheme through the provision of “It also means looking making their case. a statement of the support (NDIS) Bill into Parliament appropriate self chosen care. into the future. Ashton Tim and Angela’s are they will receive through the – something I have advocated There is strong support and we as his family, will just two stories but they NDIS. for many years. for the NDIS across my Member for Page have the opportunity to live represent the needs of The legislation also An NDIS will ensure electorate and I have had 63 Molesworth Street with, modify and direct the many many families in our supports people to manage people with disability, many local people ask me to Lismore support he receives tailoring community. their own funding where wherever they live, receive do what I can to support it. Phone 1300 301 735 it to his needs, likes and As the Legislation was they choose to do so. care and support based People like Tim, a disability dreams in a timely fashion. introduced, the late Jacob You can comment on the on their needs, and have support worker and a foster supported in their adult life. “The introduction of Baldwin was foremost in Bill on the Your Say forum choice and control over this carer who says an NDIS And also Angela and her the NDIS will reduce the my thoughts. He was an on the NDIS website. support. will mean the children son Ashton who I know pressure Phil and I feel to extraordinary advocate who The Legislation overview Like Medicare, this will with disabilities that he has very well. Ashton has a provide and finance two changed so many things and further information is be a Labor instrument of fostered can continue to be rare genetic condition with lifetimes in one, ours while for people with disability. available at www.ndis.gov.au

Justine delivers more with the transport costs of Australia in the Asian Century than $130,000 to local volunteers with a disability, Mapping future interactions a significantly increasing Asian region, and Justine volunteers who are unable to drive and within our Asian number of consumers and the said she would encourage Local community need to use public transport neighbourhood is crucial for biggest export markets, are at them to submit a response to organisations in Richmond or taxis as part of their Australia as we recognise our doorstep,’’ said Justine. the paper. are among 4,800 across volunteering role. that we are positioned in the The White Paper will set “This is about sharing Australia to benefit from the “Volunteers continue to fastest growing region in the out a strategic framework our knowledge so together Federal Labor Government’s make a significant social world. that will be used to guide we can take advantage of $16 million Volunteer Grants and economic contribution Prime Minister Julia Australia through the Asian the opportunities that are program. to Australian society, Gillard has invited public Century. available to us as a nation Across Richmond, 37 contributing approximately submissions to the Australia It will examine the and within our immediate organisations will share $14.6 billion to the not-for- in the Asian Century domestic economic and social region. in more than $130,000 to profit sector each year. White Paper to encourage opportunities and challenges “It is important that we support the work of their “Across the country, more discussion about how Asia’s of the Asian Century for think more about how we volunteers. Member for Richmond than 166,000 volunteers will growth is changing the world Australia, including: the build stronger relations with Local MP Justine Elliot 107 Minjungbal Drive benefit from the Volunteer in which we live. opportunities for deepening our neighbours to benefit our said the Federal Labor Tweed Heads South Grants,” said Justine. Local MP Justine Elliot engagement with Asia across community and strengthen Government’s investment Phone 1300 720 675 “The Government is said the Australia in the the board, in the economy, our economic participation in was delivering much-needed committed to supporting our Asian Century White through science and our region, such as through support to local volunteers. which received $4,889. army of volunteers and this Paper would examine the technology collaboration, increasing the number “We know that volunteers 37 organisatons will receive year’s volunteer grants will opportunities for engagement clean energy, education, of languages we learn to give their time, energy and grants of between $1000 help them to undertake their and help the nation take business-to-business and include those of our Asian expertise to support our and $5000 to contribute to selfless work in supporting advantage of them. people-to-people links and neighbours,” said Justine. community,” said Justine. their volunteers’ fuel costs local communities.” ‘’This will undoubtedly be culture. Submissions are due by The Volunteer Grants and purchase much-needed To find out more about the Asian Century. Many Australian 26 February 2013 and more will support a range of local equipment such as laptops, Volunteer Grants 2012, visit: “The greatest opportunity businesses and industries are information is available at groups, like the Nimbin BBQs and shade structures. www.fahcsia.gov.au or phone for growth and development, already engaging with the www.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au Headers Sports Club Inc., Grants will also help 1800-183-374.

This was a good night’s meeting. Consider coming Green scene along next time, meetings Chamber Chat... are fun and this one had by Cr Vanessa Ekins by Eugenie Stephans, Secretary moments of passion and some Councillors visited Nimbin serious bits and even a few The Annual General Meeting of the Nimbin who worked on projects and contributed, last month for a community jokes. Chamber of Commerce commenced with especially members volunteering their time contact forum and we heard It feels good to be in a room the president, Peter Wise, giving an overview to support the Nimbin businesses with good some interesting things. full of people talking about of the past year’s successes, achievements and consequences for the community as well. First a vision for the next important stuff like the future delivering his report. Assistance from Nat Meyer from the 20 years, with small scale talked about and it seems that of our city and villages and Treasurer Peter Hughes presented the Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre towards multiple occupancies for aging more talking is called for. laughing together. Everyone annual financial report. The Chamber the development of the Nimbin Murals Nimbin residents, a new road Third the piggery at agreed there needs to be more executive committee remains the same but Restoration Project draft strategic planhas or alternative way to leave Mountain Top produces exchange of information. for the vice-president’s role, which goes to led to the council allocating Heritage Sibley street for pedestrians odour, effluent, waste, water, Remember you have 11 Marcelo Angulo. grant funding for the murals. Some of the and turning tourism from noise and residents want council representatives and we Thank you to Bevan Whitney, and a mural restorations are in process and other town drugs to hippy lifestyles. buffers for school buses. Just all like people and love to chat warm welcome to Marcelo. Chamber has property owners are encouraged to take up Second the Nimbin how compatible is residential about roads, rates, rubbish, increased its membership by over 30%. this opportunity now. Advisory Group and its input living with active farming? car parks, trees, toilets, pools The ‘Business after hours’ events at the Nimbin’s first working bus trial departing into water, waste, bridges, Fourth the history of the and sustainable house stuff. hotel have proven successful and there are Lismore at 5.30pm for Nimbin has been towers and Seven Sibley water supply with suggestions Our contacts are on Council’s great member benefits for small business extended, thus enhancing transport for the Street. They are keen for from nine years ago, such as web site, so contact us! from the alliance with the NSW Business Nimbin community. some male members. How whether the water taken from Contact Vanessa by phone Chamber. The new committee has promised to the Chamber and NAG and the weir is warm or flowing 6624-5500 or email: vanessa. Peter thanked the Chamber executive for a continue to undertake the work of the Council talk together was still not implemented. [email protected] job well done throughout the year and those chamber with commitment and enthusiasm.

Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 acres of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, within easy walking distance of local restaurants and shops. Overnight or Weekly – Wheelchair Access TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 AUSTRALIA Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au Tina Fuller (B. AppSc - Optometry) At Nimbin Community Centre Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes December 2012 [email protected] From the Mayor’s desk by Jenny Dowell raised concerns in the Nimbin and Rosebank [email protected] areas recently has been the extent and timing of roadside vegetation spraying. erhaps it’s a sign of my advancing years or At its November Council meeting, Cr Pthat we are moving faster as a society, but Vanessa Ekins raised these concerns via this year has simply flown! Here I am writing a Notice of Motion. As a result, Council my last column for Good Times for 2012 and will develop a roadside vegetation control wondering where time has gone. procedure and report that to Council’s In preparing for this last column, I looked Infrastructure Assets and Sustainable back at what I wrote for the Good Times last Environment Advisory Groups. year. I noted that I was lamenting the loss Council also wants contractors to of hope for a Margaret Olley Arts Centre in undertake an induction program to ensure Lismore and wrote ‘It will now be up to our that work is carried out in accordance with community and a new Council to determine our Roadside Vegetation Management Plan. the way forward. It is my hope that although Lismore Neighbourhood Centre the MOAC is no longer a possibility, the funding and Council commitment for a new As part of our budget review, Councillors gallery will become a reality in the next term in the last term of Council supported the investigation of the sale of some Council Brent McAlister, Lismore Council’s Executive Director Sustainable Development (4th from left), of Council’ addresses ratepayers at the Nimbin Council Forum in November I’m pleased to announce another properties to both realise income and to save opportunity for a new gallery has arisen. on continued maintenance costs. Following a selective tender process, Council has given the General Manager on the third Monday of November, but I it from inappropriate development and Council resolved to sell 14-18 Bounty the nod to lodge an Expression of Interest understand that some Nimbin-ites did not ensure it retains its unique landscape and Street to its current tenants, the Lismore (EoI) for $3m from Round 4 of the Regional receive notification of the meeting. community feel. Neighbourhood Centre (LNC) for a price to Development Australia (RDA) Fund to Council distributes notices via Australia In the new year, all the feedback will be negotiated by the General Manager of at refurbish C Block on the old Lismore High Post and other Nimbin groups and included be distilled into a report that will go to least $305,000. School site on Keen St as a storage and office notification in the but it is the original citizens’ jury for further The final negotiated price is $325,000 + GoodTimes space and to add a 400sqm exhibition space obvious that there were some breakdowns in consideration before it comes to Council and GST. The outcome is a win for both the along with a green town square between it communication. to the broader community. community and Council and provides the and the library. The date for next year’s forum is November LNC with security to apply for grants for the I must stress that the EoI is only the 18 so if you have your 2013 diary or calendar, Greetings for the festive season and the building itself and for the services it provides. first step. The Northern Rivers RDA will make a note now. New Year shortlist three projects from the expected Nimbin roadworks Well, the end of the old year is nigh so it is Imagine Lismore applications by the region’s Councils and Nimbin residents may have to cope with appropriate that I thank you all for allowing By the time the hits the streets, other organizations. Those three projects will some traffic disruption from February GoodTimes me to tell you a little of Council’s doings in the last of six Community Based Forums be invited to progress to the next stage of a 2013 as 400m of Nimbin Road from High 2012. will have been held as part of the Imagine full-blown application. St is reconstructed. The $380,000 works I take this opportunity to wish you all Lismore project to develop our ten year Councillors are supportive of the EoI on are funded jointly by Roads and Maritime a Happy Christmas and holiday season Community Strategic Plan. need and because Council could contribute Services (RMS- formerly RTA) and Council however you celebrate it. I hope 2012 has I had the pleasure of welcoming delegates the required matching funds from the sale and involve the construction of a much- been a good year for you and your loved ones. and attending the report-back session at of the existing gallery, savings from off-site needed footpath. If it has been a difficult year, I hope that the Djanbung Gardens on November 9-10. The storage of the current collection and other Another $390,000 of works on 600m of New Year brings better health, happiness abundance of constructive ideas that resulted funds that would have no impact on our core Blue Knob Road north of Southwell Bridge and well-being to your lives. are very much aligned with the feedback we budgets for roads and other priority areas. are almost complete. To all of you, see you in the New Year. have received from the other forums and Roadside spraying Nimbin Forum made it very clear that people who live in You can contact me via email, Jenny. Council provides services to the community I took a week’s leave and missed the recent Nimbin, Koonorigan and places in between [email protected] phone 0402-651- across a vast range of programs. One that has Nimbin Council Forum that is always held love where they live and want to safeguard 394 or Twitter @Mayorjd if you wish.

very positive from both the a 400sq metre art gallery doing our final workshop at regional office in Lismore. I staff and the participants. beside C block opposite the Bangalow on Saturday 8th got a motion through Council Simon says... Councillors and staff were library. The grant from December 1pm to 4pm at the supporting continued by Cr Simon Clough also present on Monday the RDF would also be for Catholic Hall, contact Amica funding. It would be great if 26th for the annual Nimbin developing the space between at [email protected] you could support the EDO The year seems to be racing Forum. This was quite a the library and C block as a The workshops have been by getting info at http://edo. towards its conclusion. I’ve small affair with reports on major civic space; the “Heart very well received and we org.au/edonsw/site/save_your_ always resisted the idea that the Nimbin Advisory Group of Lismore”. There would have trained hundreds of edo.php and taking action! time speeds up as one gets (NAG) and PBF. There was also be major provision of people since we started. May you be well and happy older, but... concern expressed about a new parking. The Environmental – Simon Nimbin has had a few visits development application for The project is feasible Defenders Office, EDO is You can contact me from Councillors and staff which mimic the makeup of a piggery on Mountain Top because Council can make in grave danger of losing its on 0428-886-217 or recently. The place based the population. As a result, Rd. Neighbours are worried major in-kind contributions funding. The EDO is the simonclough@internode. forum (PBF) of Imagine the feedback from the forums about odour, effluent disposal through owning the land, only free environmental legal on.net or Cr Simon Clough on Lismore for Nimbin took is very considered and often and whether the DA means refurbishing C block and service in the state and we are Facebook or my blog: www. place on Friday and Saturday innovative and revealing, an increase in size. utilising donations made to very fortunate to have its only crsimonclough.wordpress.com 23rd and 24th November. showing a very balanced The Nimbin ‘walking trail’ the gallery. Running costs Imagine Lismore is the attitude to Council and its was also a topic of discussion we have been assured would community’s strategic plan activities. along with the Sustainability be the same as the current for the Council. Council has Unfortunately I was unable Hub. Council is considering gallery because of the limited been really innovative with to attend the presentation a grant application from size of the new building. this plan and rather than on Saturday as I had a long- the Regional Development On the CSG front, Adam having open forums which standing commitment to Fund (RDF) to benefit these Guise has been running are so often dominated by a be at my community’s 40th projects Non Violent Direct Action few loud voices we have used birthday celebrations. All Council is considering workshops at Dyraaba randomly selected groups reports of the forum were applying for funds to build and Grafton, and will be

Sculpture, modelling, handbuilding, slats, surface treatment and decoration, • Bookkeeping mosaic – MYOB, Quickbooks Absolute • Tax Preparation beginners • Business Activity welcome! Statements Weekend and – Electronically lodged weekday classes BAS Agent No: 98777 003 For details and bookings Phone Jayne 6689-0314 please call Mobile 0457-497-011 Paula 6621 4688 Email: [email protected] www.nimbingoodtimes.com December 2012 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 Blue Knob Hall Gallery Nimbin Artists Gallery The next exhibition at Blue Knob Hall Gallery is ‘The Artist’s Choice’ with the Opening Night on Friday 7th December at 6.30pm. This is an open show where artists exhibit whatever they choose, in any medium. This annual show always brings out a great variety of work and showcases the always diverse and sometimes quirky nature of art.

‘There Once was the Big Scrub’ by Janet Hassall

‘The Golden Road to Samarkand’ (detail) by Carol Easton by Peter. P And the compliments received have been universally This is a great opportunity to purchase a special Christmas t’s quiet in the Nimbin complimentary. gift of artwork or choose from the small gift items that are Artists Gallery, some How can you not rush available on our Centrestage. The exhibition will continue I visitors, some sales, hopefully down to see the latest work throughout the school holidays until 10th February. the quiet before the summer from the many talented The next Artists and Friends lunch will be held on holiday rush. artists who reside nearby? Thursday 28th February at 12.30pm, and then continue on Outside the days are The most recent hanging the last Thursday of each month throughout the year. noticeably warmer and some saw new pieces from regular Blue Knob Hall Gallery and Cafe will remain open over the visitors unashamedly admit contributors, some of which Christmas and New Year period –Thursday-Sunday 10-4pm. to coming in to the gallery to surprised in their difference We would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable enjoy the air-conditioning. If to previous works – subtly Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you out ‘Walking in the Garden’ by Janifer Fraser that’s what it takes... and some not so subtly – and at Blue Knob in 2013. The gallery attracts people there’s a good supply of from Finland, Brazil and feltwork, ceramics, glass art, Traditionally, the opening of the last everywhere in between. A cards and more. Serpentine show of the year is a great long way to come, but they Good reason to come for December double night of celebration and this year will all agree it’s worth it. There’s a visit. I’ll have the air-con Photographer Rachael Windress (her keep up the tradition. even been a few from Ipswich. going. work at right) presents RAW, an exhibition Plan a late finish with Deep Fryer and the reviving the traditional techniques of Crates providing vinyl beats to dance to. photography in the digital age. Presence will be on view until 31st Windress uses the power of the December. camera to create dynamic images without postproduction tools such as PhotoShop. “The body of work on show is based on creating abstract images from within ‘Carry Me Away’ by the camera,” she says. “Working with Shells Neville different objects, people, animals, Presence, the gallery’s last members’ lighting and long exposure, allows me to exhibition for 2012, on Friday 7th create the image using the technology of December at 7pm. Teapots by Francisco Alvarez the camera.” This is an unthemed exhibition and The exhibition at Lismore’s Serpentine local artists have been invited to submit Community Gallery, in Bridge St, runs works of their choice. With such an to 1st January 2013. All welcome, light open invite, the talented artists of the refreshments available. Northern Rivers are sure to present a ‘Preparation for the Great Work’ Artists of the Northern Rivers present selection of sensational new artworks. ‘Primal Prowl’ oil on canvas by Kane Bowman by Rob Harle

campaigns. Reflections of a refugee On the other side was a ragtag coalition of people whose land, water, and way of life by Chris Aitchison the NSWALC had revealed its intention were under threat: farmers, land-holders, to search for commercial quantities of coal villagers, and environmentalists, all part-time What child doesn’t love Aesop’s fables? Each seam gas in an area that is walking distance volunteers and unpaid conscripts, and all fable is an exciting bite-sized tale, suited to a from my home; and the NSW Government with comparatively meagre resources. And so limited attention span, and abundant in all had opened another front in its war against it was, against this backdrop, heavy with an the particulars necessary to ignite a child’s the natural environment when it disclosed overwhelming sense of the enormity of the imagination, including kings, queens, and an intention to cut funding from the challenge we faced, that I made my way to the talking animals. Environmental Defenders Office. meeting. However, the meaning crystallised over the And each tale concludes with a simple It was clear that powerful interests were As I took my seat, however, a remarkable course of the afternoon, and by the time I maxim that is accessible to a child’s shaping up against us; it wasn’t going to be a shift began in my heart. Looking around, returned home, I was bursting to share the developing moral sense. fair fight. taking in the faces of my comrades, an Aesop’s revelation with my wife. The truth in this I recall as a child being stirred by the As I imagined it, there on one side of the fable sprang to mind. It was an old favourite, tale, for me, at this particular dissection of various exhortations to ethical living, and as battle line were the corporations, with well- The Hare and the Hound, in which an amused time, space, and spirit, was in the realisation an adult Aesop’s fables still occasionally bring paid standing armies of lawyers, bureaucrats, goat herder mocks a hound that he had that we are the hare, and they are the hound. me inspiration and illumination. It happened economists, and engineers, and a mandate observed being outrun by a much smaller hare. While I had judged the battle to be just the other day. from their investors – a raison d’être – to turn The humiliated hound rejoined with: “I was overwhelmingly weighted in favour of our It was the day of the AGM for a local a profit from the devastation of our home. only running for a dinner, but he for his life.” foes, I had failed to account for a crucial environment group I am involved with, and And watching closely from the command The fable’s relevance to the immediate factor, which yields us one terrible advantage: the preceding week had heralded a great deal centre was the state government, standing situation wasn’t clear to me at first. Were while our adversaries are merely pursuing of bad news: the Kings Forest development ready, as always, to supply legislative and we running for our lives? Were we chasing dinner, our motivation lies in the knowledge was a step closer to being rubber-stamped; logistical support to the corporations’ something unattainable? that we fight for our very lives.

80 Cullen Street 6689-0199 Life Sentences (Here & Now II) by S Sorrensen www.blueknobgallery.com Now available at Perceptio bookshop in Nimbin; Echo office in Lismore; Northern Star in Goonellebah; Noah’s Arc in Lismore and selected newsagents. Book Launch Cafe Cappello, Lismore. Monday, December 10, from 5.30-7.30pm. Live music (Andrea Soler), * * 50% of profits wine and nibblies. $22 from sales go to Lismore Soup Kitchen.

Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes December 2012 [email protected] Nimbin Artists Gallery Young Nimbin on-screen

Everyone is invited to the screening and announcement of the prize winners of the Nimbin Youth Film Comp 2012 to be held at the Nimbin Bush Theatre on 15th December at 1pm. The theme of the S receives competition is It’s My Life, featuring the stories of Nimbin goes classic Life Sentences Nimbin youth. The films are an insight S Sorrensen launches his into the minds of young Tony Coiffet (pictured), a piano technician new to Nimbin, book Life Sentences (Here & people; it can be educational is organising a classical concert in Nimbin’s Town Hall on Now II) at Cafe Cappello in and fun for the whole Sunday 16th December from 5 to 7.30pm. Carrington Street, Lismore, audience. It will feature Millie Simpson on piano, the Trio this Monday, December 10, The prize pool for the Continentale – violin, piano and cello – Michael Hannan, from 5.30pm. Youth Connections North Tony Gibson and Nicholas Routley, each piano, and Laura S will sell and sign copies Coast: Nimbin Youth Film Hymers on oboe. of his book. Wine, live Competition 2012 has been They will play the music of Faure, Debussy, Scriabine, music and nibblies will be increased due to sponsorship Director Jaimie Lacher and special effects team Bohdi Star and Chopin, Satie, Reinecke and others. supplied. Everyone with an of the Nimbin School of Journey Naday-Ford review their ‘shot’ with workshop facilitator Tony said, “The idea of the concert is to provide a better interest in S, his books or Arts, Nimbin Law and many Paris Naday and Youth Connections worker Lisa at the first in the access to classical music and culture in our local area, for free wine is welcome. Nimbin businesses. series of Nimbin Youth Film Workshops. a really accessible entrance fee. Some artists are Australia- Life Sentences is a collection First prize is now $300, wide famous if not more.” of S’s Here & Now columns with runners-up competing Local sponsors now Emporium, Grapevine Café, Entrance is $10, with refreshments available at interval. from The NR Echo. for $100 and $50. The include: Nimbin School of Rainbow Café and Nimbin All artists are performing for free and all profits will go to “Life Sentences is the perfect winners also receive a trophy. Arts, Nimbin Bush Theatre, Apothecary. the Nimbin School of Arts. toilet book,” S reckons. Life For more info on the film Nimbin Pizza and Trattoria, For more info call Darmin Anyone willing to film the concert is asked to contact Tony Sentences (Here & Now II) comp go to www.ycnc.com.au Nimbin Law, Nimbin on 0428-337-088. Coiffet on [email protected] or on 0458-647-074. sells for $22.

Loren plays at the Sphinx Rock commitment to grassroots gigs It’s likely the pro-CSG Cafe Christmas Party on 23rd has seen him perform relentlessly Loren plays the Sphinx will be defeated by sheer December from 2pm. for the past eight years, creating creativity alone, if the CSG Idol Loren has a sublime voice a groundswell of underground CSG Idol competition was and boundless energy, and the support across the country. anything to go by. emotion, passion and complexity He has conducted more than 15 Judges Choice, and also of this boundary-blurring music tours of Australia, two of New Peoples Choice for best that spans reggae, folk, pop and Zealand, as well as Canada and original song went to roots. the US. Loren has sold more than Blakboi, aka Tom Avery. Loren shines in live performance, 10,000 albums independently. Wait ’til you see the video. where audiences ride the emotional He has received national airplay The Brad Hazzard Singers wave between being captivated including Triple J, and played category was won by David in reverent reflection to reckless with Bernard Fanning, Dave Ellimore-Collins and a abandon. Mathews, John Butler, Lior, Xavier brilliant group of singers, His music connects people from Rudd, Kate Miller-Heidke, Ash dancers and musicians from all ages and stages in life and his Grunwald and The Beautiful Girls. The Channon. Photo: Sam Turnbull, ABC The Blast from the Past eye on the GoodTimes and local gig section was won by The And let’s not forget the Folk Finale guides for information next year. Wacky Warblers from Uki, 500 people who raised the In the meantime, you may wish to Barbara and Chris (pictured), roof at the Italo Club, and ovember’s The Channon Folk check out the photo gallery, on the who adapted ‘Don’t Cry for kicked in for CSG-free NClub open mic saw some website or Folk Club’s facebook page, Me, Argentina’. Lismore’s fighting fund. wonderful performances by so many for just some of the many excellent accomplished musicians. There were performances at The Channon Tavern also some great artists, new to club, throughout 2012. including Nimbin’s very own Zara Bring a song, bring a verse, bring a Meow (pictured) and Maxx, Burri and friend, 2pm till dusk, Sunday 24th Nimbin Hotel Bob’s band, Blue Mango. March 2013 at The Channon Folk Club The club is having a Summer holiday, Open Mic. Contact the club via email & Backpackers but will be back in March. Keep your at: [email protected] 53 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Ph: 6689-1246

NIMBIN December Gigs 25 Sibley Street 3220 Kyogle Rd, Mt Burrell NSW 2484 P (02) 6679 7118 www.sphinxrockcafe.com Thursday 6th 6.30pm Mr Troy Phone 6689-1250 BOWLO Friday 7th 7.30pm Papa Funk Saturday 8th 6.30pm Angry Penguins What’s On in December? Sunday 9th 2.30pm Chris Aronsten XMAS PARTY December 2pm start Thursday 13th 6pm Fairweather Freaks • Kids Xmas Party – Sunday 16th, Santa arrives 1pm th 9 Barkers Vale Brothers Friday 14th 7.30pm Thorazoo • Open Mic Night – Wednesday 12th, from 7pm The Barkers Vale Brothers act is typified by cracking Banjo, harmony Saturday 15th 6pm Guy Kachel singing, comedy banter in between songs & high energy Sunday 16th 5.30pm Sye McRichie • Raffles – Fridays 7.30pm – Meat & veggie trays, chooks 16th Murray Kyle • Trivia Quiz – Every Saturday at 7pm, bar prizes Murray Kyle sings his sweet and meaningful songs with an Thursday 20th 6pm Open Mic undeniable feel good factor Friday 21st 7.30pm Lissy Stanton Band • Courtesy Bus – Phone the bar 23rd Loren Saturday 22nd 6.30pm Brian Watts • Closed Mondays Five piece band hailing from the sunny Northern Rivers – Sunday 23rd 5.30pm Surf Report listen & love the sounds of their progressive folk & rock Thursday 27th 6.30pm Dave Murray 30th Romaniacs Friday 28th 7.30pm Diana Anaid Tunes inspired by gypsy, folk, Latin, Celtic, Spanish & Eastern Saturday 29th 6pm Azadoota NEW YEAR CHINESE roots Sunday 30th 7.30pm Azadoota RESTAURANT January 6th Jordan McRobbie & Wayfarer All Gigs are Free of Charge • Lunch & dinner Wayfarer takes audiences on a journey from slow, Tues – Sun emotionally uplifting ballads through to stompin’ Hummingbird Bistro • Friday Banquets high-energy roots music Bistro Specials: Mon $10 pasta; • Take-Aways Home of the Phone 6689-1473 ‘Big Bowler’ Thurs $10 steak 250g

www.nimbingoodtimes.com December 2012 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Nimbin’s ‘seismic shift’ reviewed Aquarius rising – again It was a 1970s counter- As the countdown begins to the end of the revolution that heralded world as we know it, come ye all, the lame, a cultural, social and the poor, the rich and famous, to celebrate consciousness shift in with us our collective renewed dreams. Australia and breathed new On Saturday 8th December, Nimbin life into a dying NSW dairy Aquarius Foundation Inc. will launch a web town... site: www.aquarius2013.nimbin.nsw.au with Four decades on, Southern monthly Aquarius calendar updates and Cross University is organising information on events taking place during and 24th May (see story at right). Aquarius and beyond: 40 years 2013 Aquarius anniversary year. Over MardiGrass and the Aquarius on, a two-day market of ideas On Sunday 9th, The Chai Tent launches 40th anniversary, Harsha Prahbu and to reflect on the events that its new towering rainbow gathering hub at Graeme Batterbury are preparing to together became the Nimbin the Channon Market, before heading off to mount a multimedia exhibition with the Aquarius Festival of May 1973. the Woodford Folk Festival. photo-documentary Rainbow Dreaming: Cultural studies lecturer Rob On Wednesday 12th, from 12 noon, in the www.rainbowdreaming.org Garbutt, from the University’s Crowd in front of the Freemason’s Hotel during the Aquarius Nimbin Community Centre, the Aboriginal Johnny Allen and Graham Dunstan are School of Arts and Social Festival, 1973 Courtesy: Harry Watson Smith Cultural Centre, Nimbin Aquarius working on Aquarius Festival storytelling Sciences, said the Aquarius Foundation and Nimbin Community projects; log into My Nimbin Aquarius Festival was a catalyst for “Many practices, like solar KEY DATES School invite all to join a gathering, Story on Facebook. There is also another regional and national change. energy, multiple-occupancy 1st February 2013 – Ideas/ Reviving the Spirit of Community. Join in Facebook site, Nimbin Aquarius Festival “Organised by the Australian communities and alternative Abstracts for Presentations for friendship, fun, food, films, music and 1973. Union of Students, the aim of medicine, continue today in and Expressions of Interest laughter. All welcome. Woodstock Museum founders and the Aquarius Festival was to Nimbin and across northern due On Saturday 22nd, from 12 noon, in the film-making team Nathan Koenig and celebrate alternative thinking NSW and have been 1st March 2013 – Responses Nimbin Town Hall, Nimbin Aquarius Shelli Lipton have interviewed and and sustainable lifestyles embraced in communities to proposals Foundation will be heralding in The Age filmed Nimbin over the past 10 years for to ensure the long-term across the country.” 15th April 2013 – Draft of Aquarius with a fun event. Hear the their documentary creation, Woodstock survival of the Earth and its Aquarius and beyond will program published call, come one and all. Yesterday is history, Downunder, which covers 40 years inhabitants. take place on May 23rd and 23rd and 24th May 2013 – tomorrow is a mystery. The dawning is over, of Nimbin hip-story. They have now “From home-birth to 24th at the Nimbin Town Aquarius and beyond: 40 it’s wake-up time! developed it into an eight-part series to be farming, from architecture and Hall. The first day will reflect years on at the Nimbin The Lismore Regional Gallery will be shown at the Nimbin Bush Theatre during building construction to local on the past 40 years, while day Town Hall (aka Nimbin exhibiting The Art of Building over April that Nimbin merry month of May. markets, from eating to social two will have a present and School of Arts). and May 2013 (see story p. 3). Nimbin Aquarius Foundation Inc. is relations and political activism, future orientation. Dr Rob Garbutt, from the Southern on Facebook: Nimbin Aquarius towards the Aquarius Festival provided Community members For details about submitting Cross University’s Centre for Peace 2013, and meets every Tuesday from 2pm- a stimulus for alternative, are welcome to contribute ideas and abstracts for and Social Justice, is working with the 5pm in the Community Centre Comskool counter-cultural thinking and photographs, material and presentations and expressions, Aquarian archives on Aquarius and Room. President is Benny Zable, email: action on a kaleidoscopic range comments on the Facebook visit the event page: http:// beyond: 40, which will culminate on 23rd [email protected] of social and cultural practices. page. sassevents.scu.edu.au/aquarius

[email protected] if you’d like Nimbin natural beekeepers to attend. by James Creagh, photos: Woman With a Camera Hive transfer In late November, a group of us transferred a feral hive from a Varroa mite – not welcome Year in review storage cupboard into a langstroth It’s been a great year for the box at Lillian Rock. The whole shed Nimbin Natural Beekeepers with is planned to be pulled down. It much being achieved all in less than went well with the transferring of one year. the honeycomb to the frames and We have been meeting monthly, there were few stings (see photos). organised workshops skilling up It was a good opportunity to show members, bulk ordering bee boxes, members how to save a hive from provided support for members being destroyed. It’s not always this to assemble their boxes, offered easy, and there is never a guarantee membership to NNIC’s Food James with the recovered that the bees will stay in the box. Equipment Library accessing honey comb from the cupboard extractors and other beekeeping Mobile phone tower tools. Mullumbimbees Natural Given there has been some concern Deadly parasitic Varroa mite on the We offer a free swarm collection Beekeeping Group – in the Nimbin community about back of a honey bee. service, and provide info about bees Introduction to natural the construction a new phone tower Photo: Scott Bauer, Science Daily to the wider community through beekeeping workshop and its possible adverse effects on NGT and the Nimbin Show. Over In November, I ran an Introduction bees and humans, a talk is being Sonny, James, Dylan and Jenny Beekeepers throughout Australia 30 hives have been established to Natural Beekeeping workshop at given at Birth and Beyond on preparing the smoker to remove the hive were reminded recently how or are in the process through the Mullum Community Gardens to an Thursday 13th December at 6pm. vulnerable we are when a cargo ship NNB group. enthusiastic group that is keen to Birgit Richards, a building biologist, Pest Control anchored near Sydney was found to We picked a very good year to start their Mullumbimbees Natural will present health-related issues At the December meeting of the have a hive of Asian bees on board. begin with the drier weather, it has Beekeeping Group. associated with electromagnetic Nimbin Natural Beekeepers group They were carrying the varroa mite. been excellent for the bees in terms Thanks to Kat and Graeme for radiation. Her particular interest we looked at ways of keeping hives The mite has decimated boxed of nectar and pollen availability. It organising the workshops, and it’s is in electromagnetic field testing, up off of the ground, away from hives and are particularly feral has been a long time since honey great to see some of the Bimbees after living in very close proximity cane toads that like to snack on in hives throughout the world. harvests have been so good in the attending NNB meetings. to a mobile phone tower for eight bees. Australia is the only continent area. With so much interest in years. This time of the year both the without the varroa mite. Next year we will be exploring Mullum, I will be running a second For the scores of people who cane toads and small hive beetle Australian quarantine found it in other natural ways of keeping Introduction to Natural Beekeeping attended Telstra’s “community are most active. Beetle traps are the time before any of them made it to bees, looking at Warre hives and at Mullum Community Gardens consultation” at the Nimbin Town way to manage the beetle, using land. For more, go to: www.abc.net. organising a workshop on Top Bar on the 16th December. It runs Hall, this event will be a good way Diatomaceous earth to reduce their au/am/content/2012/s3639182.htm Hives. from 10am to 4.30pm, email: to hear both sides of the issue. numbers.

Fresh local produce for a sustainable future. • Self-suffiency workshops • Community Grain Mill • Local & visiting musicians Corner of Blue Knob & Lillian Rock Roads Only 8km North of Nimbin Enquiries contact Peter 6689-7484 or email: [email protected]

Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes December 2012 [email protected] Mullaways director fined, then congratulated HEMP HEADLINES Tony Bower, from Mullaways Medical It was celebrated in Nimbin with music, Cannabis Co (pictured) was fined $1000 song, poetry and speeches attesting to his USA: Colorado, Washington Pot Legalization in Lismore Court for some cannabis persistent and compassionate effort to Deals Drug War Major Blow found in the famous Mullaway bus. reduce the suffering in the community. Colorado and Washington became the first states to “It was a small amount of somebody’s His free medicine has seen him flooded legalise recreational marijuana in the prohibition era, personal medicine, and such a heavy fine with requests beyond his capacity to help, dealing a major blow to the war on drugs. Medical seems very unfair,” he said. especially as his entire crop was taken by marijuana was also legalised in Massachusetts, underlining “Everybody should be free to find the police earlier this year just as it was ready long-running trends in public opinion toward more medicine that works for them and the to be harvested. permissive attitudes on drugs. evidence is well and truly in about the He is still trying to help anyone with “To put this into historical context, there is no historical healing properties of cannabis.” cancer, and can be contacted through his context,” said Tom Angell, spokesperson for Law Tony said it was well-worth bringing website: www.mullawaysmedicalcannabis. Enforcement Against Prohibition. “It’s the first time any an expert from the Therapeutic Goods com.au or at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy state has ever voted to legalise marijuana – and two of Administration in Canberra to testify. on Saturdays. Phone 6689-0326. them did it.” “Although he was unable to help MardiGrass 2013 The votes marked a significant shift from decades of Mullaway patients, he was helpful and tough-on-crime policies that burned through $1 trillion supportive in post discussions after A draft D. A. has been lodged with in tax dollars over 40 years, led to the arrest of 850,000 court about Mullaways TGA approval Lismore Council to hold next year’s Americans for marijuana law violations in 2010 alone, and process,” Tony said. MardiGrass in the HEMP Embassy fuelled the rise of deadly drug cartels abroad. There are now 18 States in America backyard, where there is a natural with legal medicinal cannabis. others,” he said. “We have watched him amphitheatre with plenty of space for USA: Marijuana Decriminalization Drops Youth “Why isn’t it legal here?” he demanded. helping people for years and his medicine music and the Hemp Olympix. Crime Rates by Stunning 20% in One Year “When is our Government going to have certainly works. “We think it will be much better Marijuana decriminalization – it’s one of the primary a fresh look at this issue? Why are they “This fine is a real disgrace. Where is a than trying to work around Peace Park reasons why California experienced a stunning 20 percent arresting me for trying to help people pensioner like Tony going to find $1000? and the new skatepark,” said Michael drop in juvenile arrests in just one year, between 2010 who are sick and dying?” Magistrates sometimes appear to not live Balderstone. This plan includes not and 2011, according to provocative new research. The San Michael Balderstone, HEMP Embassy in the real world!” closing Sibley Street and starting the Francisco-based Centre on Juvenile and Criminal Justice President, said it was appalling that Tony World Aids Day, 1st December, was Sunday Rally in Peace Park. identifies a new state marijuana decriminalization law that was so heavily fined. the third anniversary of Mullaway’s free Police and council so far support the applies to juveniles, not just adults, as the driving force “He can’t stop himself from helping legal medical cannabis tincture service. new plan. behind the plummeting arrest totals. Uruguay: New law to allow cultivation of Medi-pot inquiry calls for comments Farmers hail marijuana at home, in clubs by Graham Irvine will help the debate to be d) any other related matters. Uruguayans will be able to grow marijuana at home or dominated by evidence, Submissions to the hemp food in clubs, but the state will be in charge of the trade from Luke Foley, the ALP leader instead of dogma. committee are being accepted cultivation to sale under a government-led legalization bill in the Legislative Council of The terms of reference are: and close on 14th February approval presented in Congress at the end of November. NSW parliament, has tabled to enquire and report on the 2013. Readers are urged to documents which initiate an uses of medical cannabis, make submissions. Food Standards Australia Israel: Encouragement for use of medical Inquiry in the uses of medical especially: It will only take a few New Zealand (FSANZ) marijuana cannabis. a) Efficacy and safety of politicians crossing the has announced its approval Moshe Rute, who lives at the Hadarim nursing This will be undertaken cannabis for medical floor of the parliament, and of the use of Cannabis home outside of Tel Aviv, is one of more than 10,000 by a General Standing purposes; medicinal cannabis could be sativa, with low levels of patients who have official government permission to Committee of the Council, b) if and how cannabis legal as soon as next year. tetrahydrocannabinol, in both consume marijuana in Israel, a number that has swelled made up of representatives of should be supplied for For further help in writing seed and seed oil, as a food. dramatically, up from serving just a few hundred patients the National, Liberal, ALP, medical use; submissions, contact Graham Farmers hope the Australian in 2005. government takes note and Greens and Shooters parties. c) legal implications and Irvine, email: grairv@yahoo. follows this example allowing Web links to these stories and others at www.hempembassy. The NSW Opposition says issues concerning the use com.au or phone 6689-1666 or new markets and industries to net or tune in to the Hemp Hours on NimFM 102.3 on an Upper House inquiry into of cannabis for medical contact the Hemp Embassy Fridays from midday to 2pm the medical use of marijuana purposes; and in Cullen Street. open up here.

well as she used to.” Pipe’s hippy camp where many of And deputy leader Swan’s stories them seem convinced weed is what when he returned from Mexico City the Mayan Calendar is all about and had everyone wondering just who the walls of prohibition are coming JournalSTREET of the North Coast’s SHUFFLE longest serving covert they should listen to. Apparently down like Berlin’s later this month. he wasn’t in the restaurant when Soon the magic herb will be freely by Undacuva “You don’t trust me anymore the cartel rolled eight freshly available to all and sundry they Beth?” He was too friendly, which Real Romanovs? decapitated gory heads through the think. Poor hippies. They really do Undacuva shadowed! he hadn’t been to anyone in months, front door. But two of his advisers believe their pot can save the world. it was a giveaway. For years in the advice Bethany, believe me. Your were, and both had to be sedated And the dry season is challenging Undacuvas recognise each other Force the joke has been that PIC reports have them thinking you’ve and sent home. It was just another for the tribe, though their like any weirdos do. Trainspotters, meant police internal coverup but swopped sides. It never worried day in MC but not for the sheltered swimming hole in the rainforest hippies, thugs, stamp collectors, the latest “fundamentally flawed” them before but now all that hippy Aussie boys, neither of whom had looks as fresh and beautiful as coppers, politicians. You can’t really report on itself made the old joke a stuff is looking dangerously like the ever seen a dead body before. ever. They’ve been carting water to explain instinctive stuff can you? bit too real, even for this old craggy arguments that won the day in the ”The story slowly leaked around their patches for two months and So this shabby-looking bloke Boss. Rumours have it, he’s even Obama election.” Canberra and finally reached the girls looked like they’ve been has been bludging in on our bong admitted to using his wife’s tincture “We had Gillard and Roxon the Health Minister’s ears. She working out. sessions the last couple of weeks and to get a decent night’s sleep lately. convinced that we’re actually decided to look a little closer, and HipiLeaks: Sydney Nov 2012. I just knew he was Unda. What I I was forced below the belt winning the war, but your bloody somewhere in the piles of reports The new FOD (Fleet Of Drones) didn’t realise was he was monitoring and threatened to expose the reports have been getting quite she came across your writing, Beth. is to only spend time searching for me. shadow, which had chips spitting an airing, and some of the PM’s You seemed so sympathetic to cannabis crops when the ocean is I phoned the Boss on the secret out the phone earpiece in one advisors are sympathetic. The ‘weedworld’ as she called it. So in too murky to see sharks. Priority line and he tried to laugh it off second flat. “OK, OK. Canberra ongoing police corruption and the truth, it was her office that had you must be given to swimmers’ safety. saying the Bin’s famous paranoia are wetting their nappies over Catholic scandals have unda-mined tailed.” In the last decade, 35 people have layer had got into me, but I knew it the new American changes and our cred so much, Ms Roxon in I gave the slob from the big smoke died in shark attacks but none from was more than that. they sent this fellow, against my particular is not taking the advice as the slip and headed out of town for cannabis.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com December 2012 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13